The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldierssupporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Charles C. Persing, 20, of Albany, La., and Sgt. Dale T. Lloyd,22, of Watsontown, Penn., died July 19 in Scandaria, Iraq, when multiple mortars rounds hit their forward operating base. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.